Systems and methods for the electronic distribution of games

ABSTRACT

In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player&#39;s purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

BACKGROUND

For the most part, computer games are distributed using physical media,such as compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs). However,the growth in Internet use has made digital distribution of games moredesirable. The lower costs of digital distribution over a computernetwork versus distribution using physical medium can only be expectedto further drive the growth of the digital distribution channel. Agrowing number of games are now available through digital downloads,either as an alternative to physical medium or as the exclusivedistribution channel for the game.

Currently, game portals on the Internet provide online distribution ofgames. These game portals store games and provide them to playersaccessing the game portals. Games can be downloaded to the player'sgaming device, either as stand alone applications or to be played usingan existing program, such as a web browser. The same game can be storedand provided by a number of game portals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicatecorrespondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided toillustrate embodiments of the inventions described herein and not tolimit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a distribution system for computergames.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a game publication process employedby the distribution system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the game distribution platformhaving a micro-loader generator.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a game loading process employed bythe distribution system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of an in-game purchase processemployed by the distribution system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of an in-game purchase screen of agame.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a login process employed by thedistribution system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a game loading process acrossmultiple gaming devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Existing electronic distribution systems of games typically provide adiscrete electronic copy of the game. For instance, for online gamesseveral versions of the same game, including older, less up-to-dateversions, can be published on-line at the same time on different gameportals. As a result, players may not get a consistent gaming experiencefor the same game and game developers may have difficulty controllingthe presentation, as well as access to their game.

In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided thatallow a game distribution platform to update and/or control copies ofgames published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments,copies of the games are maintained in central storage on the gamedistribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gamingdevices. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distributionplatform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive thelatest version of a game when a player selects to play the game.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a distribution platform 110, anetwork-accessible computer system operated by a platform provider. Thedistribution platform 110 makes games available to end users via atleast one, and typically many, different game portals 120 connectedthrough a computer network 122, such as the Internet. Each game portalis typically in the form of a web site hosted on a server system, and atleast some of the game portals are typically operated or provided bydifferent entities than others. Gaming devices 115, which are usercomputing devices such as a personal computer (PC), personal digitalassistant (PDA), or other computing device, can connect to game portalsand allow the end user or player to play games.

For purposes of illustration, a sample scenario will now be discussed inwhich the embodiment of FIG. 1 is used in operation. In this samplescenario, a developer submits a game to a distribution platform 110 fordeployment of the game. The game comprises one or more computer datafiles defining the game. The distribution platform handles publishingthe game to different game portals as well as implementing additionalfunctionality accessible from the game through an application protocolinterface (API).

The developer submits the game to the distribution platform 110 over anetwork through a game submission interface, such as a web page orapplication in communication with the platform provider's distributionplatform. The developer submits one or more computer data files definingthe game to the distribution platform. Additionally, the developer cansubmit optional content that is made available to the player forpurchase, as a reward, and/or as part of a promotion.

Once the distribution platform 110 receives the game files, thedistribution platform generates a micro-loader module 125 for thesubmitted game. The micro-loader is provided to game portals 120 andallows download of the game files for the game. The micro-loader moduleincludes information relating to the game, such as a game identifier,game settings, and/or displayable text. In one embodiment, themicro-loader module is generated without including game files; insteadthe micro-loader includes references 126 to game files, a settings file,and/or a text file stored in the distribution platform.

The separation between the micro-loader 125 and the game files 166 insome embodiments advantageously allows the game files to be updatedwithout changes to the gaming portals publishing the micro-loader.Additionally, the distribution platform 110 retains control over thegame by controlling access to the game files without having to controldistribution of the micro-loader. For example, once a micro-loader isdistributed to a game portal, other game portals can copy themicro-loader with or without the developer's permission. However,because the micro-loader does not contain the actual game files, themicro-loader connects to the distribution platform to receive the gamefiles. Authentication processes can then be implemented on thedistribution platform to control access to the game files whenmicro-loaders request the game files.

Once the micro-loader 125 is distributed to gaming portals 120, playersaccess the micro-loader and receive the game. For example, themicro-loader can be a Flash application provided on a web page of a gameportal. The player loads the web page on his gaming device 115, whichresults in the micro-loader being downloaded to that computer. Themicro-loader is then run on the gaming device, causing the micro-loaderto request the game files from the distribution platform. In someembodiments, the micro-loader also requests additional micro-loadercomponent files to extend the functionality of the micro-loader. In someembodiments, the requests to the distribution platform 110 comprise thegame identifier, which the distribution platform uses to determinecorresponding game files and/or components. The distribution platformthen provides the corresponding files to the instance of themicro-loader operating on the gaming device 115. In one embodiment, thegame files and/or micro-loader are small web format (SWF) files forADOBE FLASH. The micro-loader can load game files and componentstransparently, with game files and components not needing to account forthe operation of the micro-loader or the settings file. This allows thedeveloper to develop a game in his customary manner without knowingabout the particular implementation of the micro-loader.

Optionally, the player can be asked to log in to the distributionplatform 110 or game portal 115 in order to enable additional featuressuch as in-game purchases and/or saving of game information. With theplayer logged in, the distribution platform can access the player'saccount information. For example, during a gaming session, the playercan be prompted to purchase items and/or additional levels for the game.If the player purchases the game, the player's profile is updated toreflect the purchase, and content files corresponding to the purchasedcontent are sent to the micro-loader. The micro-loader then loads theadditional content files, enabling the player to access the new content.

Additionally, the distribution platform can allow the player to savegame data to the distribution platform. For example, the player's gameprogress can be saved in the distribution platform such that the gameprogress is available the next time the player accesses the game, evenif the user access the game from a different game portal 120 on the nextvisit. High scores, achievements, friend lists, and optional orpurchased content information can also be saved to the distributionplatform.

While the scenario above involves games designed to run in a webbrowser, the disclosed system and distribution model can also be usedwith games that do not make use of a web browser. Accordingly, thedistribution system 100 may be used in other environments, such as withgame consoles, cellular phones, and/or the like. In addition, thedistribution system may be used to distribute other types of content,such as applications, applets, software tools, music, movies, videos orthe like. Further, it is understood that the actions described as beingcarried out by the micro-loader 125 may be carried out by one or morecomponents of the micro-loader.

Returning to FIG. 1, the distribution system 100 comprises of adistribution platform 110, one or more gaming devices 115, and/or one ormore game portals 120 connected through a network 122, such as theInternet, a local or wide area network (LAN or WAN), or the like.

The gaming device 115 comprises a computing device, such as a computer,a game console, a portable game player, a cell phone, PDA or any devicefor playing electronic games. The gaming device includes at least oneprocessor and a memory. The gaming device 115 can comprise an outputdevice, such as a display or monitor, and an input device, such as akeyboard, keypad, mouse, controller, and/or the like.

The game portal 120 can be an online service, web site, or the like. Thegame portal 120 publishes a micro-loader 125 associated with aparticular game. The game portal 120 can publish multiple micro-loaders125 to provide multiple games. The game portal 120 can be implementedwith a server system that may include one or more physical serversand/or other computing machines (not shown).

The distribution platform 110 provided by the platform provider canfurther include an authentication service 130, a purchasing service 140and item catalog 150, and/or data storage 160. The authenticationservice 130, purchasing service 140, and data storage 160 can beimplemented with a computer system that may include one or more physicalservers and/or other computing machines (not shown). In addition, theauthentication service 130, purchasing service 140, and data storage 160can be implemented as a network resource, such as a web service, website, or the like. In one embodiment, the distribution platform 110operates on a cloud computing system.

In one embodiment, a micro-loader 125 program is provided on the gameportal 120. The micro-loader 125 can be a SWF or Adobe Flash file, aUnity 3D file, JavaScript file, a compiled program, and/or the like. Inan embodiment, the micro-loader 125 initially contains only referencedata 126 for the game. When the gaming device 115 connects to the gameportal 120 and requests a game, the micro-loader 125 corresponding tothe requested game is downloaded to the gaming device 115. In anembodiment, the gaming device 115 runs the micro-loader 125, causing itto download game files 166 and/or additional components 162, 164 fromthe distribution platform 110. The game files 166 can include data filesdefining the game, additional content for the game, save data, and/orother files related to the game. The component files extend thefunctionality of the micro-loader 125 and can include a pre-loader 162,a server API 164, a survey component for surveying players, anEntertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating display, and/or thelike.

In one embodiment, the pre-loader 162 provides a loading screen toinform the player of the download status while other files are beingdownloaded. The pre-loader screen may displays advertisements while thegame is loading.

In one embodiment, the server API 164 provides an interface between thegame and the distribution platform 110. The server API 164 can providethe game access to functions that can be performed by the distributionplatform 110. For example, such functions can include logging in theplayer, buying an item, getting the game content associated with apurchased item, showing purchasable items, and/or getting or savingprofile or account data.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the micro-loader 125can be provided in various configurations. In one embodiment, themicro-loader 125 operates on the game portal and downloads game files tothe game portal in response to a player request to start the game. Thegame portal then sends the game files to the gaming device 115. In someembodiments, the micro-loader 125 can be a stand-alone application or acomponent of a larger application, such as an applet on a web page. Inone embodiment, the micro-loader 125 can be initially provided with apartial set of game files, such as the first two levels of a game, andcan download other game files later on.

Providing game files and components dynamically advantageously allowsthe micro-loader 125 to provide the latest files to the player andgaming device 15. In addition, changes to the game and/or components canbe propagated transparently to the player. For example, if the developercreates a new version of the game, the developer can submit the newversion to the distribution platform 110 to replace the old version.Once the new version is submitted the distribution platform 110 canrespond to request for game files with the new version of the gamefiles, enabling micro-loaders 125 to automatically receive the newversion of the game. The player does not need to search for the latestfiles or check whether the game or micro-loader 125 is up to date.

In addition, the micro-loader 125 is typically smaller than the fullgame. A typical micro-loader size would be around 10 KB to 15 KB, whilegames typically range from hundreds of kilobytes to hundreds ofmegabytes in size. The micro-loader can be smaller or larger than thetypical size based on the features and functionality included in themicro-loader. By publishing micro-loaders 125 instead of full games,game portals can reduce the amount of space and bandwidth used. In oneembodiment, after the micro-loader 125 is downloaded to a gaming device115, the micro-loader 125 can download the game directly from thedistribution platform 110 without the game portal 125 storing the game.Thus, the game portals can provide a greater number of games using thesame space and bandwidth.

Further, the micro-loader 125 can download only the files needed,allowing bandwidth to be more efficiently used. For example, themicro-loader 125 can skip downloading optional or purchasable content.Further, by partially downloading the game files, additional security isprovided from computer hackers or software pirates who may try to enableor unlock optional content. In one embodiment, a gaming device 115 usingthe micro-loader 125 does not have the files containing the optionalcontent available on the gaming device 115, making it impossible tounlock or enable the optional content. In one embodiment, themicro-loader 125 downloads the additional content only after thedistribution platform 110 verifies that the player has purchased theoptional content.

The micro-loader 125 includes reference data 126, such as a gameidentifier, a settings file reference, and/or a text file reference. Inan embodiment, the micro-loader 125 corresponds to a particular game andcontains the game identifier which identifies that game to thedistribution platform 110. The settings file reference and/or text filereference can be a uniform resource locator (URL), internet protocol(IP) address, or other address reference identifying the location of afile. The settings file provides further dynamic information to themicro-loader 125. The text file allows the micro-loader 125 todynamically change the text displayed by the micro-loader 125. Forexample, a text file in the language of the source country of the gamingdevice 115 or game portal 125 can be provided. Typically, the settingsfile location and text file location point to an access point to thedistribution platform 110. In one embodiment, the access point is agateway or authentication server operating an authentication service130.

The distribution platform 110 is made up of one or more computer serversor other computing devices providing multiple services. Servers can beconnected to each other through a network. In one embodiment, thedistribution platform includes an authentication service 130 operatingon an authentication server or gateway server. The authenticationservice 130 authenticates incoming requests from micro-loaders 125running on gaming devices 115. The authentication service 130 can use ablacklist and/or whitelist 132 for checking requests. The authenticationservice 130 can authenticate the micro-loader 125 based on gamedeveloper identity, game ID, game portal, account, profile, combinationsof the same or the like. Developers and game portal operators canestablish accounts with the distribution platform, such as byinteracting with a web site associated with the distribution platform.

The authentication service 130 can also allow players to log in to aplayer profile or account. Logging in can enable additional features byallowing the distribution platform 110 to track players' actions and/orpurchases. For example, game data or additional content can beassociated with a player profile.

In one embodiment, the authentication service 130 can be located on thegame portal 120. The player can log into an account on the game portal120, which can then authenticate the player to the distribution platform110.

In an embodiment, the distribution platform 110 further includes apurchasing service 140 for selling additional game content. Thepurchasing service 140 can include one or more data repositories, suchas a catalog repository 150 containing a listing of purchasable gamecontent. The purchasing service 140 can include a visual interface, suchas web page or window, for providing the item listing to the player. Thepurchasing service 140 can process orders from players and record thesepurchases in a player profile and/or account.

In one embodiment, the distribution platform 110 includes data storage160 for storing micro-loader components 162, 164 and/or game files 166.The data storage 160 stores game information, such as game identifiers,game files, micro-loader components, purchase information, high scores,saved games, achievements, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the datastorage 160 associates the game information for a particular game withthat game's game identifier. The data storage 160 can include one ormore electronic data repositories 175 for storing information, and canbe implemented using any type or types of storage devices (e.g.,magnetic disk drives, solid state memory arrays, etc.).

The various components shown in FIG. 1 can be implemented using softwaremodules executed by one or more general purpose computers (physicalmachines) or servers. The authentication service 130 and/or purchasingservice 130 may be implemented as respective programs using service codethat generates responses in real time in response to requests from otherentities. The interfaces for the authentication service 130, purchasingservice 140 and data storage 160 may be implemented in a combination ofexecutable code and web page templates. The executable code of theforegoing components 130, 140, and/or 160 may be stored on any type ortypes of physical computer storage device or medium, such as harddrives, tape drives, CDs, DVDs, RAM, ROM, flash and/or the like.

The data repositories 150, 175 shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented usingany type or types of physical computer storage, and may be implementedusing databases, flat files, or any other type of computer storagearchitecture.

In some embodiments, the authentication or gateway server serves as theprimary communication point to the distribution platform 110. Thegateway server can handle download requests from micro-loaders 125,request files or information stored on the data storage 160, and/ortransmit files and/or information to the micro-loaders 125.

FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a game publication process. In thegame publication process, the distribution platform 110 receives a gamesubmission from a game developer 204 and, in response to the submission,generates a micro-loader 125 for distribution to game portals 120.

In block 210, the developer 204 creates a game called “My Game.” Inblock 215, the developer decides what game content to make standard andwhat content is optional. A player initially has access to the standardcontent but can purchase or receive additional content. A developer canchoose to not have any optional content and make all content standard orfreely available. The developer submits the game to the distributionplatform 110 with a designation of the content files. For example, level1-5 of “My Game” can be standard, but additional levels are optional andneed to be purchased in order to be played. In one embodiment, thedeveloper 204 submits the game using an online service, web site, or thelike.

In block 220, the developer 204 submits the purchasable content to thedistribution platform 110. The distribution platform 110 createspurchase identifiers for the sellable content. The distribution platform110 adds the purchasable content to its item catalog.

In block 225, the developer 204 submits “My Game” to the distributionplatform 110. The distribution platform 110 generates and stores a gameidentifier for “My Game.” The game identifier uniquely identifies thegame and allows the distribution platform 110 to determine which contentbelongs to which game by assigning the game identifier to the contentand/or purchase identifiers.

In block 230, the distribution platform 110 validates the game. In anembodiment, the distribution platform 110 checks for viruses, verifiesownership, and/or the like.

In block 235, the distribution platform 110 generates a micro-loader 125corresponding to the game. The micro-loader 125 includes the gameidentifier associated with the game. In one embodiment, the micro-loader125 does not contain any game files defining the game, but onlyreference data to those game files, such as a reference to a settingsfile listing the game files. The micro-loader 125 downloads the filesfrom the distribution platform 110 when a player requests to play thegame.

In block 240, the micro-loader 125 is distributed to one or more gameportals 120. Distribution can be accomplished electronically through anetwork or by providing the micro-loader 125 on physical medium to thegame portals 120.

In block 245, the game portals 120 publish the micro-loader 125, therebyproviding access to the game from the game portals. Other portals cancopy the micro-loader 125 from the publishing game portals withoutneeding to contact the distribution platform 110. As the micro-loaders125 themselves contact the distribution platform 110 to request gamefiles, the distribution platform 110 does not need to track deploymentof the micro-loaders 125 beforehand. Allowing micro-loaders 125 to beeasily published encourages the game to become “viral” or widelypublished and available.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the game distribution platform 110having a micro-loader generator 248. The developer 204 submits the gamefiles for “My Game” comprising of standard 250 and optional content 252to the distribution platform 110. The provider of the distributionplatform may itself be a game developer, and may use the platform todistribute its own games. The game files can be submitted electronicallythrough the network 122 or by physical storage medium. The game content250, 252 can be stored on the data storage 160. The micro-loadergenerator 248 can generate a micro-loader for “My Game” having referencedata 126 to at least a portion of the game content 250, 252. Thedistribution platform 110 can then transmit the micro-loader 125 to gameportals 120 for publication of the micro-loader 125.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a game loading process 300 employedby the distribution system 100.

In block 310, the game portal 120 publishes the micro-loader 125associated with “My Game.” In one embodiment, the game files are notinitially located on the game portal 120 but are stored on thedistribution platform 110.

In block 315, a player visits the portal and downloads the micro-loader125 onto his gaming device 115. In one embodiment, the micro-loader 125initially does not include the game files for the game.

In block 320, the player runs the micro-loader 125 to load the gamefiles for “My Game” onto his gaming device 115. The micro-loader 125sends a download request, including its game identifier correspondingwith “My Game,” to the distribution platform 110.

In one embodiment, the micro-loader 125 includes a settings filereference, such as a URL or network address, for the location of asettings file and requests the settings file from the distributionplatform 110. In one embodiment, the settings file location is a URLincluding the game identifier. The settings file may, for example, be anextensible markup language (XML) file. Other file formats, such as flattext files, S-expressions, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), and/ortext streams can also be used.

In some embodiments, the micro-loader 125 further includes a text filereference. The micro-loader 125 can request a text file using the textfile reference in order to display dynamic messages, such asadvertising, alerts, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the settingsfile includes the text file information and the micro-loader 125 doesnot separately download the text file. The text file can be a textstream, a flat text file, an XML file, or the like.

In some embodiments, the micro-loader 125 operating on the gaming device115 can gather additional information from the gaming device 115 toprovide to the distribution platform 110. For example, such informationcan include the country or language of the player, the type of thegaming device 115, and/or information about the current communicationsession between the gaming device 115 and distribution platform 110.

In decision blocks 325, 335 and 340, the distribution platform 110authenticates the download request. After receiving the game identifier,the distribution platform 110 retrieves game information stored on thedata storage 160 associated with the game identifier. In decision block325, the distribution platform's authentication service 130 checks ifthe developer associated with the game is on a whitelist of approveddevelopers. For example, if a developer decides to cease hisrelationship with the platform provider, the developer can be removedfrom the whitelist. If the developer is not on the whitelist, themicro-loader 125 request is rejected. If it is on the whitelist, theloading process continues.

In decision block 335, the game is compared against a whitelist forgames. If the game is not on the whitelist, then the distributionplatform 110 rejects the download request from the micro-loader 125. Forexample, the developer may have decided to stop supporting the game andthus the game is removed from the whitelist. If the game is on thewhitelist, the loading process continues.

In decision block 340, the portal is checked against a blacklist ofportals. If the portal is on the blacklist, the download request isrejected. For example, the blacklist can list portals that supportpirated games, adult portals, portals owned by competitors, or the like.If the game is not on the blacklist, the loading process continues. Inone embodiment, a whitelist listing authorized portals can be used. Byusing a blacklist and/or whitelist, the developer or platform providercan control which portals the game appears on and prevent it fromappearing on undesirable portals.

In block 345, the distribution platform 110 generates a settings filefor the game by retrieving stored game information on the data storage160. The settings file can comprise an order of operation, a session ID,and/or a file list. For example, the order of operation can specify inwhat order the micro-loader 125 loads the files. The session ID canidentify the communication session between the gaming device 115 and thedistribution platform 110. The file list can identify game files and/ormicro-loader components to send to the micro-loader 125. Thedistribution platform 110 sends the settings file to the micro-loader125.

In some embodiments, the settings file is dynamically generated,allowing the distribution platform 110 to specify the game files and/orcomponents to send to the micro-loader at the time the download requestis received.

In an example scenario of one embodiment of the system, during a firstdownload request from the micro-loader 125, version 1.0 of the game isavailable and the distribution platform 110 generates a settings filelisting the game files in version 1.0. The micro-loader 125 thendownloads the version 1.0 files listed in the settings file. After thefirst download request, version 2.0 of the game is uploaded to thedistribution platform 110 by the developer. When the micro-loader 125next sends a download request, the distribution platform 110 generates anew settings file listing the game files in version 2.0. Themicro-loader 125 then downloads the version 2.0 files listed in thesettings file. By dynamically choosing game files and/or components atthe time of the request, updates to the files and/or components can beprovided to the micro-loader 125 automatically. Likewise, thedistribution platform 110 can dynamically provide additional and/orupdated micro-loader components to the micro-loader 125, allowing thefunctionality of the micro-loader 125 to be extended without generatinga new micro-loader module. For example, the functionality of the servercommands in the server API 164 can be updated or extended withoutchanging the micro-loader 125 by updating just the server API 164 file.New features and functionality can be added to the micro-loader 125 byloading additional components.

In some embodiments, the distribution platform 110 sends a text file ormessage to the micro-loader 125 for display. The text file can bedynamically generated or selected from pre-existing text messages. Thetext can be an advertisement, an alert, instructions, general textlocalizations and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the settings file advantageously allows the set offiles downloaded by the micro-loader 125 to be custom-tailored based onthe portal, player, geographic location, age and/or other criteria whileusing the same micro-loader 125. For example, a micro-loader from afirst portal can be configured to offer more game content than the samemicro-loader from another portal. Also, if the player has logged in, themicro-loader 125 can provide any additional content that player may havepurchased. In other examples, a different language or general textlocalization for the game can be provided based on the geographiclocation of the player or game content can be disabled or substitutedbased on age to provide parental controls.

In block 350, the micro-loader 125 receives the settings file andrequests the files specified in the file. The settings file can specifyfiles names and/or locations. In one embodiment, the settings file usestime-expiring URLs to specify the location of the files to controldownload access. The files specified on the settings file can beprovided on data repositories in the distribution platform 110, such asthe data storage 160. The files can also be located or cached on storageseparate from the distribution platform 110. For example, the files canbe cached on a content delivery network (CDN), which is a system ofcomputers containing copies of data, placed at various points in anetwork so as to maximize bandwidth for access to the data from clientsthroughout the network. Typically, a client accesses a copy of the dataon the CDN near to the client, as opposed to all clients accessing thesame central server, thereby causing a bottleneck near that server.

In one embodiment, the settings file specifies an order of operation.The use of the settings file with an order of operation advantageouslyallows the micro-loader 125 to download the files in the order they areused, allowing the micro-loader 125 to begin presenting the game to theplayer sooner. For example, the pre-loader component can be downloadedfirst or early on so that a status can be displayed or an advertisementplayed while other files are downloaded. In another example, a game with10 levels could have level 1 downloaded first and available to playwhile the other levels are still being downloaded. In one embodiment,the settings file further specifies a download order in addition to theorder of operation.

In block 355, the distribution platform 110 responds to the downloadrequest from the micro-loader 125 on the gaming device 115 by sendingthe files for the game, such as game files and/or micro-loadercomponents. In one embodiment, the files are sent according to the orderspecified in the settings file or according to the request of themicro-loader 125. In some embodiments, the distribution platform 110 maystore more than one version of the game files if the developer has madechanges to the game. If more than one version of a game file isavailable, the distribution platform 110 can identify and send thenewest game file to ensure that players are playing up-to-date versionsof the game.

In other embodiments, the distribution platform 110 selects a set offiles to send based on selection criteria, such as the source gameportal 120, gaming device 115, and/or player profile. For example, ifthe developer wants to provide an older version of the game for free butrequires the player to purchase the newer version, then the distributionplatform 110 can check the player's profile to see if the game waspurchased and then provide the appropriate set of game files.

In another example, the distribution platform 110 may store differentsets of game files for different gaming device types. Version A of thegame can run on XBOX 360 but not on a PLAYSTATION 3, while version Bruns on PLAYSTATION 3 but not on XBOX 360. The distribution platform 110can provide Version A or Version B depending on the type of the console.By maintaining different sets of game files and sending the appropriateversion based on the gaming device type, the distribution platform 110can provide transparent cross-platform functionality to the players. Thesystem can store game files versions for game consoles, computers, cellphones, PDAs, and/or specific operating systems, such as WINDOWS, MAC OSX, ANDROID or the like.

In block 360, the micro-loader 125 receives the game files for the game.Advantageously, in one embodiment, the micro-loader 125 can loadcompleted files while other files are still downloading in order toincrease responsiveness.

In addition to the embodiments shown, different authentication steps canbe used in the system. In some embodiments, no authentication or onlyone or two of the developer, game, and portal whitelists/blacklists maybe used. Whitelists may be used instead of blacklists and vice versa. Insome embodiments, other authentication steps can be used in lieu of orin addition to the above authentication steps.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of an in-game purchase process 400. Inblock 405, the game is loaded onto the gaming device 115 as illustratedin FIG. 3. In block 410, the game is started.

In block 415, the player plays the free content provided by thedeveloper. The micro-loader 125 loads the game files that the developerspecified as free content. If the developer specified purchasablecontent, the game can prompt the player to purchase additional gamecontent. For some games, there may not be purchasable content andrevenues may be derived using an advertising model. The distributionplatform 110 may control the collection of revenue from advertisersand/or users, and may cause this revenue to be divided between theplatform provider, the developer of the particular game, and the portaloperators.

In block 420, the player is prompted to purchase an item. In someembodiments, the item is purchasable directly from the game. The gamecan display an item list of purchasable content that can include adescription, prices, purchase status, or the like. In some embodiments,the player may make the purchase via a corresponding item detail page ofan electronic catalog hosted on a web site. If a player indicates thatthey wish to purchase an item, the micro-loader 125 sends a request tothe distribution platform 110 to display a screen. The purchasable itemcan be permanent or consumable game content. Permanent content isavailable in the game permanently after purchase. Consumable content canbe purchased in set amounts, with the amount available to the playerdecreasing as consumable content is used. In one embodiment, game filesassociated with the consumable content may be deleted once the amountavailable reaches zero. Permanent content can include game levels, gamemusic, and/or game items, such as swords, armor, or the like. Consumablegame content can include game items, such as arrows, potions, bombs,and/or the like.

In block 425, the distribution system 110 provides purchase informationto the player. The purchase information can include a description,prices, purchase status, or the like. In one embodiment, a separatescreen or “pop up” is shown on the player's gaming device 115 displayingthe purchase information from the distribution system 110. The separatescreen can be a web page of the purchasing service 140. In anotherembodiment, the gaming device 115 displays a purchase screen within thegame. If the player chooses to proceed with the purchase, the player canbe prompted for a login in order to identify a purchasing account.

In block 430, the player is prompted by the distribution system 110 tolog into the player's account. The player may be asked a password and anaccount name. Accounts can have one or more profiles. These profilesprovide “sub-accounts” for tracking information with greatergranularity. For example, a family could have a single account butmultiple profiles, one for each family member. Further, a single personcould have multiple profiles. Each profile can maintain separate gameinformation, such as game progress, achievements, high scores and/or thelike. In some embodiments, the account and/or profile name is used as aplayer identifier to track actions of the user. For example, aftersigning in, future purchases or updates to game information can berecorded in the player's account and/or profile, though typicallypurchase information is stored in the account and shared acrossprofiles.

In block 435, the player completes the purchase. The distributionplatform 110 may receive a purchase order for game content from theplayer. The distribution platform 110 can record the purchase in theaccount and/or profile of the player. The player can resume playing thegame after completing the purchase.

In block 440, the micro-loader 125 recognizes that the player is loggedin. When the player is logged in, the micro-loader 125 can accessaccount information, such as available profiles. In one embodiment,session information is stored on the distribution platform 110 while akey or session ID is stored on the gaming device 115, such as on acookie or a file. The stored session information can include anindicator that the player previously logged in. By accessing the sessioninformation using the key, the micro-loader 125 can determine if theplayer is logged in.

In block 445, the micro-loader 125 downloads the player profile from thedistribution platform 110. The micro-loader 125 can request the playerto select from multiple profiles or can automatically select a profile,such as when a default profile is provided or where only a singleprofile exists.

In block 450, the distribution platform 110 responds to the profilerequest by providing the profile data, which could include game data,game saves, purchased content, or the like. The distribution platform110 transmits the profile data to the gaming device 115. If the playerhas purchased additional content, the distribution platform 110 cantransmit the purchased game files. In one embodiment, the distributionplatform 110 generates an updated settings file listing the standardcontent and the purchased content and transmits the file to themicro-loader, causing the micro-loader to download the purchasedcontent.

In block 455, the micro-loader 125 receives the profile data, along withany files for the purchased content. The micro-loader 125 updates thegame by loading any additional content files. Once loaded, the contentfiles enable the new content in the game.

In one embodiment, the content files define the game content and are noton the gaming device 115 before purchase, preventing the game contentfrom being unlocked or enabled unless the game content is purchased. Inanother embodiment, the content files can be unlock codes or serial keysfor enabling game content already on the gaming device 115, but disabledbefore the purchase.

In block 460, the player can save the game once the current gamingsession is completed. In some embodiments, the game is saved in thedistribution platform 110 in order to allow cross-platform game play.

In block 465, the distribution platform 110 responds to the save requestby updating the player profile with any new save information. When theplayer accesses his account, the player can continue the game in thesame stage or state by loading the save data. The saved stage or statecan be a location in the game, a current state of the game, such as acurrent score or status, and/or a progress made by the player in thegame.

In one embodiment, if the player has purchased consumable content, thedistribution platform 110 updates the number of the consumable contentrecorded in the player profile after each use of the consumable content.The associated game files may be deleted from the gaming device 115 oncethe consumable content amount reaches zero. In some embodiments, gamefiles may be deleted after the expiration of some amount of time, suchas after the ending of a trial period.

In some embodiments, the player can purchase game content while not in agaming session. Instead, the player can purchase content by logging intohis account in the distribution system 110 before playing the game. Forexample, the player can purchase game content listed by the purchasingservice 140 and have that purchase recorded into his account. When theplayer next plays the game for which he purchased additional content,the purchased content can be provided to the player automatically afterhe logs in to his account, causing the game to load the purchasedcontent.

The profiles and accounts can have similar functions and a profile maybe used in place of an account and vice versa. In some embodiments,there are no separate profiles, and information is stored in accounts.Information can be maintained per account or per profile.

After the game or game content is purchased, the revenue can be dividedbetween the platform provider, the game portal provider, and/or thedeveloper. In one embodiment, the distribution platform 110 tracks gameand content sales to provide reports to purchasers and selling parties.For example, the distribution platform 110 can provide a report of thepurchase history of the player. In another example, the distributionplatform 110 can also provide reports aggregating the sales of the gamecontent to provide a sales total for a particular game or game content.In one embodiment, the distribution platform 110 analyzes the purchaseinformation and provides recommendations to the players of items topurchase based on the purchase histories of other similar players.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of an in-game purchase screen of agame. The screen lists available game content 482 for a particular game.Purchase information 484, such as which items were previously purchased,item descriptions, price and/or the like can be provided to the player.The purchase information can reflect purchases made for an account frommultiple gaming devices 115. In one embodiment, the game queries thedistribution platform 110 for purchase information and/or availablecontent 482 and uses that information to populate the game screen. Inone embodiment, the game uses the server API 162 to query thedistribution platform 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the login process. At block 505 thegame is loaded. At block 510 the game is started.

At decision block 520, the micro-loader 125 operating on the gamingdevice 115 determines if login information is available. In someembodiments, login information can be kept in a cookie or other storageformat on the gaming device 115. The login information can be theaccount name and/or password or an indication that the player is loggedin, such as a session ID or key. If the player has previously loggedinto his account, the login information can be saved or cached on thegaming device 115. If the login information is unavailable, themicro-loader 125 operating on the gaming device 115 can prompt theplayer to login and the process proceeds to block 525. If the logininformation is available, then the login process proceeds to block 530.

At block 525, the login request is received by the distributionplatform's authentication service 130. The authentication service 130requests the player to login and verifies the information submitted bythe player. The player may be prompted to enter an account name andpassword. After the login is completed, the micro-loader 125 is notifiedof the successful login. If the login fails, the player may be promptedto re-enter his login information. If the login process repeatedlyfails, the account may be disabled.

At block 530, login information is available at the gaming device 115.With the available login information, the micro-loader 125 can accessthe player's account and/or profile information from the distributionplatform 110. The micro-loader 125 can request the player's profileinformation, such as stored game data and/or purchased content.

At block 535, the game is updated with the game data and/or contentassociated with the player's profile or account as illustrated in FIG.4.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the game loading process 600 acrossmultiple gaming devices 115. In some embodiments, game data, such asgame progress, is saved by the distribution platform 110 in the player'sprofile and/or account. The player can access the game data acrossgaming devices 602, 604 by requesting the data from the distributionplatform 110 (not shown).

In block 605, the player begins a first gaming session on the firstgaming device 602. The first gaming device 602 loads the game byaccessing the game on a first game portal.

In block 610, the player logs into his account and/or profile. In oneembodiment, the player logs into the account by providing an accountand/or profile name and password. The login information can be used asan identifier to track the actions of the player. When the playerdecides to end the gaming session, the player can choose to save theprogress he's made in the game. In block 615, the player ends thesession at point A in the game.

In block 620, the player's profile and/or account stored in thedistribution system is updated with the game progress made during thegaming session. The player ends the first gaming session and stops thegame.

In block 625, the player begins a new session using a second gamingdevice 604. For example, the player may have been playing a game on hislaptop and then decides to play the same game on his desktop at home.The player connects his second gaming device 604 to a game portal havingthe same game. The game portal can be the same first game portal orcould be a different game portal as long as both game portals publishthe same game and micro-loader 125.

In block 630, the player logs into the distribution platform 110 inorder to access the profile and/or account where he previously saved hisgame data. In block 635, the second gaming device 604 loads the gamedata, such as the game progress data, stored in the player's profileand/or account.

In block 640, the player continues the game from the previously savedpoint in the game. In some embodiments, other game data such asachievements, game scores and/or purchased content are also loaded fromthe player profile. In some embodiments, game data from other games maybe used to determine gaming options in the current game. For example, anaccomplishment in a first game may unlock additional content, such asnew game levels or bonus items, in a second game. Such a feature can beused to encourage players of one game to play the other game.

In some embodiments, the first gaming device 602 can be the same or adifferent type than the second gaming device 604. For example, the firstgaming device can be a console, such as XBOX 360 or PLAYSTATION 3, whilethe second gaming device can be a desktop computer. In some embodiments,the distribution platform 110 saves the game data in a common dataformat, such as XML, which can be read by different platforms.

In some embodiments, the distribution platform 110 tracks a gamingsession of a player even when the player is not logged into theiraccount. Instead, an “anonymous” account or profile is created on thedistribution platform 110 and used to track the player's actions. Insome embodiments, the anonymous profile is not associated with aparticular player but is associated with a particular gaming device. Theanonymous profile can track the gaming device using a gaming deviceidentifier, such as a hardware ID, network address, Media Access Controladdress, and/or the like. The anonymous profile allows game stateinformation to be saved to the distribution platform 110, enabling aplayer to continue a game session. For example, when the player beginsplaying the game, the distribution platform 110 can recognize the gamingdevice and allow a previous gaming session to continue. The anonymousprofile can be retained for some time, such as several days, dependingon the load and/or storage availability on the distribution platform110. In some embodiments, the information stored on an anonymous profileis saved to a regular player account and/or profile when the player logsin to his regular account. In one embodiment, players are provided achoice of their existing profiles in which to store the information inthe anonymous profile.

Each of the processes and algorithms described in the preceding sectionsmay be embodied in, and fully automated by, code modules executed by oneor more computers or computer processors. The code modules may be storedon any type of computer-readable medium or computer storage device, suchas hard drives, solid state memory, optical disc, and/or the like. Theprocesses and algorithms may also be implemented partially or wholly inapplication-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processesand process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any typeof computer storage.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or processblocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processesdescribed herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, andthe blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in othersequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or statesmay be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, ormultiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

While certain embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein have beendescribed, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only,and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosedherein. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may beembodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions,substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systemsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as wouldfall within the scope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for enabling one ormore gaming devices to obtain remotely stored games for presentation tousers, the method comprising: generating a micro-loader modulecomprising a game identifier, the game identifier corresponding to agame, wherein the micro-loader module is configured to, in response to arequest to start a gaming session for the game, 1) request game filesassociated with the game and 2) dynamically load the game files;providing the micro-loader module having the game identifier forpublication on a plurality of game portals, the game portals accessibleto gaming devices; receiving a download request having the gameidentifier from a gaming device that downloaded a first instance of themicro-loader module from a game portal, the download request transmittedover a computer network by the first instance of the micro-loadermodule, wherein game files defining the game are not located on the gameportal or the gaming device at the time the request to start theparticular game is received; identifying one or more game filesassociated with the game corresponding to the game identifier and one ormore micro-loader components for extending the functionality of themicro-loader module; and transmitting the one or more game files and theone or more micro-loader components to the first instance of themicro-loader module.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the micro-loadercomponents comprise at least one of: a pre-loader module for displayinga screen indicative of a download status; and an application programinterface for interpreting commands from the game to the first instanceof the micro-loader module.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisinggenerating a settings file comprising an order of operation for themicro-loader components, wherein the order of operation specifies theorder in which the first instance of the micro-loader downloads thecomponents.
 4. The method of claim 3, the settings file furthercomprising an order of operation for the game files.
 5. Acomputer-implemented method for enabling one or more game portals toobtain remotely stored games for presentation to users, the methodcomprising: providing a micro-loader module having a game identifier forpublication on a game portal, the game identifier corresponding to aparticular game, the game portal accessible by a gaming device;receiving a request having the game identifier from a gaming device, therequest transmitted over a computer network by the micro-loader moduledownloaded to the gaming device, wherein game files defining the gameare not located on the game portal or the gaming device at the time therequest is received; identifying one or more game files associated withthe game corresponding to the game identifier and one or moremicro-loader components for extending the functionality of themicro-loader module; transmitting the one or more game files and the oneor more micro-loader components to the micro-loader module; andgenerating a settings file comprising an order of operation for themicro-loader components, wherein the order of operation specifies theorder in which the micro-loader module downloads the components, whereinthe game files or the micro-loader components are transmitted in theorder specified by the order of operation.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising generating, in response to the download request, asettings file comprising a list of the game files and the micro-loadercomponents for transmission to the micro-loader module.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein identifying the one or more game files comprisesidentifying one or more game files corresponding to a newest version ofthe game.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more game filesor the micro-loader components are small web format files.
 9. The methodof claim 1, further comprising authenticating the download request usingat least one whitelist or blacklist.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe at least one whitelist or blacklist comprises at least one of adeveloper list, a game list, and a portal list.
 11. The method of claim1, further comprising transmitting a text message to the first instanceof the micro-loader.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the textmessage to the first instance of the micro-loader comprises one or moreof advertising, instructions, and general text localizations.
 13. Amicro-loader generation system for generating a micro-loader module fora game, the system comprising: a computing system operative to receive agame from a developer, the game comprising a first selection of standardgame data files to be provided to a player and a second selection ofoptional game data files available to the player, the game received overa computer network; a game data repository operative to store the firstselection and the second selection of game data files from thedeveloper, the game data repository comprising physical computerstorage; and a micro-loader generation system operative to: assign agame identifier to the first selection and the second selection of gamedata files; store the game identifier in the game data repository; andgenerate a micro-loader module comprising the game identifier, themicro-loader module operative to, in response to a request to start agaming session for the game from a gaming device: request the firstselection of data files from the game data repository using the gameidentifier; and dynamically load the first selection of data files onthe gaming device for the gaming session.
 14. The micro-loadergeneration system of claim 13, wherein the micro-loader module furthercomprises a reference to a settings file, the settings file comprisingan order of operation for loading data files.
 15. Non-transitorycomputer storage having stored thereon instructions that, when executed,direct a computing system to perform operations comprising: receiving,on the computing system, a game from a developer, the game comprising afirst selection of standard game data files to be provided to a playerand a second selection of optional game data files available to theplayer, the game received over a computer network; storing, on a gamedata repository, the first selection and the second selection of gamedata files from the developer, the game data repository comprisingphysical computer storage; assigning a game identifier to the firstselection and the second selection of game data files; storing the gameidentifier in the game data repository; and generating a micro-loadermodule comprising the game identifier via a micro-loader generationsystem, the micro-loader module operative to, in response to a requestto start a gaming session for the game from a gaming device: request thefirst selection of data files from the game data repository using thegame identifier; and dynamically load the first selection of data fileson the gaming device for the gaming session.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer storage of claim 15, wherein the instructions further directthe computing system to: provide a network address location of a textmessage to the micro-loader module; wherein the micro-loader module isconfigured to download and display the text message.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer storage of claim 16, wherein the network addresslocation comprises an expiring uniform resource locator.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer storage of claim 17, wherein the text messagecomprises one or more of advertising, instructions, and general textlocalizations.